أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ العَظِيمِ وَبِوَجْهِهِ الكَرِيمِ وَبِسُلْطَانِهِ القَدِيمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty, by His Noble Face, and by His Eternal Authority from the accursed Satan.
A'udhu billahil-'Adheem wa bi Wajhihil-Kareem wa bi Sultanihil-Qadeem minash-Shaytanir-Rajim.
When to Read
This powerful dua is recited specifically when leaving the masjid. Imagine you've just finished praying, perhaps Fajr or Jumu'ah, and you're stepping out. As you exit the sacred space where you sought closeness with Allah, you're also preparing to re-enter the world with all its potential challenges. This is the moment to invoke Allah's protection.
How to Read
As you prepare to step out of the masjid, pause for a moment. Turn your intention towards seeking Allah's refuge, just as you sought His presence within. Recite the dua with sincerity and a heart that truly believes in Allah's power to shield you. It's usually recited once as you take your first steps away from the masjid. Some scholars mention reciting it three times, which is also a valid practice often associated with seeking refuge from various evils.
Virtues & Benefits
When we leave the masjid, we are moving from a place of spiritual safety into the wider world. This dua is a vital shield. By seeking refuge in Allah the Almighty, His Noble Face, and His Eternal Authority, we are essentially acknowledging His supreme power over all things. This act is specifically taught to protect us from the whispers and machinations of Shaytan, who actively seeks to misguide us once we leave the remembrance of Allah. It's a way of carrying the barakah (blessing) of the masjid with us and maintaining our spiritual guard.
Source & Authentication
Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated: 'When the Prophet ﷺ used to leave the Masjid, he would seek refuge in Allah with these words: 'A'udhu billahil-'Adheem wa bi Wajhihil-Kareem wa bi Sultanihil-Qadeem minash-Shaytanir-Rajim.' (I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty, by His Noble Face, and by His Eternal Authority from the accursed Satan.) He would say this after praying, when he was about to leave.' (Graded Hasan by Albani in Sahih Abi Dawud)